You've built your Electron application, and now it's time to share it with the world! This section will guide you through the process of distributing your application, covering both app store submissions and direct downloads. Choosing the right distribution method depends on your target audience and desired reach.
This is the most straightforward approach. You package your application into installers for different operating systems, and then you host these installers on your website or a file-sharing service. Users can then download and install your application directly.
For direct download, you'll primarily use tools that create native installers for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The most popular and recommended tool for this in the Electron ecosystem is electron-builder. It supports a wide range of installer formats and simplifies the packaging process significantly.
npm install electron-builder --save-dev
# or
yarn add electron-builder --devAfter installation, you'll typically configure electron-builder in your package.json file. This configuration tells electron-builder how to build your application for different platforms and what installer types to create.
{
"name": "my-electron-app",
"version": "1.0.0",
"main": "main.js",
"scripts": {
"build": "electron-builder"
},
"devDependencies": {
"electron-builder": "^24.0.0",
"electron": "^25.0.0"
},
"build": {
"appId": "com.yourcompany.myelectronapp",
"productName": "My Electron App",
"files": [
"**/*",
"!node_modules/**"
],
"directories": {
"output": "build",
"app": "."
},
"win": {
"target": "nsis"
},
"mac": {
"target": "dmg"
},
"linux": {
"target": "AppImage"
}
}
}Once configured, you can run the build script to generate installers:
npm run build
# or
yarn buildThis command will create a build directory containing installers for your specified platforms (e.g., .exe for Windows, .dmg for macOS, .AppImage for Linux). You can then upload these files to your website.
Submitting your application to an app store (like the Microsoft Store, Mac App Store, or even a Linux distribution's repository) offers several advantages, including discoverability, trusted distribution, and automatic updates. However, it also involves more complex submission processes and adherence to specific guidelines.
To distribute on the Microsoft Store, you'll typically need to package your application as an MSIX package. electron-builder has excellent support for generating MSIX packages. You'll need a Windows Developer account and to follow Microsoft's submission guidelines.
"win": {
"target": [
"nsis",
"msix"
]
}The MSIX format is modern, efficient, and offers benefits like cleaner uninstalls. The submission process involves creating a developer account, packaging your app, and uploading it through the Partner Center.
Distributing on the Mac App Store requires your application to be signed with an Apple Developer ID. electron-builder can assist with this process, including code signing and creating the necessary .pkg installer or .app bundle. You'll need to enroll in the Apple Developer Program.
"mac": {
"target": [
"dmg",
"pkg"
],
"hardenedRuntime": true,
"gatekeeperAssess": false
}The process involves generating certificates, signing your application, and then submitting it through App Store Connect. Apple's review process is known for its thoroughness.
For Linux, distributing through official repositories (like Debian's APT, Fedora's DNF, or Arch's Pacman) is the most common approach for widespread adoption. electron-builder can generate packages for these formats (e.g., .deb, .rpm).
"linux": {
"target": [
"AppImage",
"deb",
"rpm"
]
}Each Linux distribution has its own process for accepting packages into its official repositories. This often involves contributing your package definition to the distribution's package maintainers.
A crucial aspect of distribution, especially for direct downloads and app stores (though app stores often handle this themselves), is providing a seamless update experience for your users. Electron applications can implement auto-updating using the electron-updater library, which integrates with electron-builder.
npm install electron-updater --save-dev
# or
yarn add electron-updater --devYou'll need to configure a release server (like GitHub Releases, S3, or a dedicated update server) where electron-updater can find new versions of your application. The main process of your Electron app will handle checking for and downloading updates.
import { autoUpdater } from "electron-updater";
mainWindow.once('ready-to-show', () => {
// Configure autoUpdater (e.g., set feed URL)
autoUpdater.setFeedURL({
provider: "github",
owner: "yourusername",
repo: "your-repo"
});
// Check for updates periodically or on startup
autoUpdater.checkForUpdatesAndNotify();
});
autoUpdater.on('update-downloaded', () => {
// Ask the user if they want to restart to install the update
dialog.showMessageBox({
type: 'info',
title: 'Update Available',
message: 'A new version of the app is available. Restart to install it.',
buttons: ['Restart', 'Later']
}).then(result => {
if (result.response === 0) {
autoUpdater.quitAndInstall();
}
});
});
autoUpdater.on('error', (err) => console.error('Error updating:', err));This setup allows your users to get the latest features and bug fixes without manual intervention, greatly improving their experience.
The best distribution strategy often involves a combination of methods. For broad reach, consider direct download alongside a presence in relevant app stores or distribution channels. Always prioritize user experience by providing clear instructions and reliable updates.
graph TD
A[Electron App Built] --> B{Choose Distribution Method?}
B -- Direct Download --> C[Package with electron-builder]
C --> D[Host Installers on Website]
B -- App Store --> E{Select App Store?}
E -- Microsoft Store --> F[Package as MSIX]
F --> G[Submit to Partner Center]
E -- Mac App Store --> H[Sign with Apple Developer ID]
H --> I[Submit to App Store Connect]
E -- Linux Repo --> J[Generate .deb/.rpm]
J --> K[Contribute to Distro Repo]
D --> L[Setup Auto Updates with electron-updater]
G --> L
I --> L
K --> L
L --> M[Users Download & Update]